>
> Hi Ron,
>
> I pulled out my handy Grainger catalog and proceeded to educate myself
> on these "new" T8 (1 inch dia.) lamps, but I still have a question.
> Both the standard T12 (1.5 inch dia.) and the T8 have the medium bipin
> G13 base. Does that mean that I can interchange T12 and T8 bulbs?
Yes but "I'm told" that neither will work as efficiently as possible with the
ballast designed for the other.
> If
> not, will installing an electronic balast allow me to plug in new T8
> lamps to standard T12 fixtures?
Yes. In industry where the existing fixtures are acceptable, it is
commonplace to retrofit (change out only ballasts). Often, in administrative
areas the existing fixtures will have prismatic lenses and the decision is
made to upgrade the entire fixture to parabolic lenses for the "higher
quality of light" (supposedly studies have shown that parabolic reflectors
reduce glare on computer monitors - I can't say I can notice a difference).
>And finally, I see on page 930 of the
> '96 catalog that there are F40T8/SPX50 lamps. These T8 40 watters put
> out several hundred more lumen than their 32 watt brothers. Any idea
> how long the T8 40 watt bulbs are?
Nope. However the lamps tend to come in pretty standard lengths so I doubt
that it is something other than 48"
>
> As a side note, it appears (to me anyhow) that in the US the switch is
> being made to 25 and 34 watt T12 bulbs, and not to the T8 bulbs.
For the consumer market this appears to be true and I can't figure out why.
In progressive industry, T-12's are dinosaurs.
>
> Trying to find the light :)
> John >>
Good luck with your search and education. Again there are people on the
aquatic plants list who appear to have a lot of knowledge and would be able
to provide more accurate answers (than than I ever could).
Ron Lane